The EAS Sports Nutrition-funded study saw a reduction in indirect markers: muscle damage, reductions in muscle soreness and improved physical performance in the HMB group compared to the control group on whey protein powder alone. The study was published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition​.

HMB is a metabolite of leucine, a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) found in whey protein.

Muscle recovery benefits​

Steve Hertzler, PhD, senior research scientist and chief scientific officer at EAS emphasised to NutraIngredients that the overall macronutrient profile of the diets of the subjects was controlled – I.e. the treatment and control groups received the same macronutrient and energy intake, including what was provided in the supplement.

“This highlights the importance of getting the right nutrients to the muscles at the right time to promote better recovery.”​

Study details

Thirteen resistance-trained men took part in the double-blinded, counterbalanced, within-group study and ingested a whey protein, HMB, and isomaltulose supplement or just whey protein twice daily before, during, and following three consecutive days of intense resistance exercise. Treatment outcomes were evaluated using blood-based muscle damage markers and hormones, perceptual measures of muscle soreness, and countermovement jump performance.

Results showed that when high loads and short periods are used during high-frequency resistance exercise, the addition of HMB and slow-release carbohydrate to whey protein is more effective at promoting recovery than whey protein alone.

Sensory issues​

HMB has typically been incorporated into ready-to-drink liquid nutritionals and powders. Its adverse sensory properties (odour and flavour) make it somewhat difficult to work with, according to Hertzler, limiting its potential for fortification in a broader range of products, such as bars.